Zack Martin: 1990s Dallas Cowboys controlled the line of scrimmage; we want to do the same

Dallas Morning News | May 23

Zack Martin will likely be the Dallas Cowboys’ starting right guard when they host San Francisco on Sept. 7.

An offensive lineman drafted with the 16th overall pick is going to get every chance to crack the starting lineup. What’s intriguing, however, is that Martin has never played the position.

During the majority of his time at Notre Dame, Martin lined up at left tackle. Fortunately for him, the blocking schemes are similar.

“It translates well,” Martin said Wednesday after joining his rookie teammates for an NFL PLAY 60 event at Pantego Christian Academy. “We have a lot of the same calls and the same type of plays. That’s been translating well for me.”

Martin says his biggest adjustment will be his foot placement. If he needs any advice, he doesn’t have to go far to find players that were in similar situations. The Cowboys have used 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith at right and left tackle. Last year’s first-round pick Travis Frederick lined up at guard during some practices before becoming the full-time starting center.

“They’re obviously great players,” Martin said. “That’s been the best part about being down here so far is that o-line group and that o-line room. They’ve been very helpful. Very smart guys.”

“This guy is certainly similar to Frederick, similar to Tyron where he has a real hunger and passion for the game,” Callahan said. “He wants to know every nuance. He wants to know everything that you can give him. There’s just not enough time in the day to show him the films that we want to teach him and show him examples of. That’s really great to have around you.”